Itanium: 64-bit Processing Arrives

The first of the IA-64 processors, Itanium will bring new levels of function and processing power to work stations and servers. Previously named 'Merced', Itanium will provide users with scalability not found in other processors. In this joint effort to bring this technology to the market, Hewlett Packard has provided Intel with innovative new instruction sets while Intel has provided the architecture and processor technology.

This chip allows for total 64-bit computing while being completely backwards compatible with 32-bit processing hardware. In a presentation by John Crawford from Intel Corporation and Jerry Huck of Hewlett-Packard, the new Itanium architecture was outlined and explained. Using explicit a new architecture named EPIC (Explicitly Parallel Instruction Computing) based on research and old architecture, the chip is able to process requests faster by taking the mispredictions out of computations. This next generation of technology will supercede the current RISC and CISC technologies today.

Itanium processors, with this new technology, will drastically change the 3D, gaming, and multimedia markets over coming years. Its technology performs specifically to combat those problems that software is facing today. Workstations using Itanium processors will be dual processor capable while servers will be quad processor capable.

eFront will keep you up to date on the latest developments in 64-bit processing technology and new advancements in the industry.

Visit the Itanium Homepage to read more information on the Itanium architecture and for tutorials on readying code for 64-bit compatability.